New Bill Could Loosen Regulations on Alcohol Sales in North Carolina

In North Carolina, a proposed change to current regulations could potentially allow bar patrons to order as many as four drinks at once. It would also allow state-run liquor stores to open on Sunday afternoons. A detailed article on the potential legislation is available here.

About the Bill

House Bill 536, sponsored by Representative Chuck McGrady, is scheduled for a hearing in the House Alcoholic Beverage Commission (ABC) committee. Under current law, restaurants and bars can only serve customers one alcoholic drink at a time. The bill would also allow local ABC stores to open from 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm on Sundays if they choose.

Other revisions contained in HB 536 would change state regulations which force bars that do not serve food to operate under a license for a private club. It would also allow alcohol sales at college sporting events, as well as on state-run trains and ferries. The full text is available here.

Mixed Reactions

The bill has received support from both the Retail Merchants Association and the North Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association. Opposition groups state that the current government-run system helps to reduce alcoholism, underage drinking, and drunk driving.

Drunk Driving Remains a Problem

Even with current laws in place, Driving Under the Influence remains a problem across the nation. Avoiding excessive drinking helps everyone have an enjoyable and relaxing get-together. To help you stay safe, Daggett Shuler Law offers these simple tips:

• Resist Pressure to Drink: Don’t feel compelled to drink alcohol just because it is offered.
• Offer Non-Alcoholic Beverages: Make guests comfortable with non-alcoholic drinks.
• Designate a Driver: Decide in advance on a designated driver before any evening out.
• Choose Your Number: Determine ahead of time how many drinks to have—and stick to it.

We Can Help.

If you or someone you love has been injured in a motor vehicle accident involving a drunk driver, contact Daggett Shuler Law for help. An experienced Drunk Driving Accident Attorney can handle your entire case and work to secure fair and just compensation for you.

If you have questions about a drunk driving accident, call Daggett Shuler at 800-815-5500. When you call, you will speak with a Winston-Salem, North Carolina Drunk Driving Accident Attorney absolutely FREE. We will investigate every detail of your situation at no cost to you—and fight hard to secure the compensation you deserve. 

Daggett Shuler Law – You Can Depend on Us.